Nikki Lawson

BACKGROUND: Xenografts from genetically modified pigs have become one of the most promising solutions to the dearth of human organs available for transplantation. The challenge in this model has been hyperacute rejection. To avoid this, pigs have been bred with a knockout of the alpha-1,3-galactosyltransferase gene and with subcapsular autologous thymic tissue. METHODS: We transplanted kidneys from these genetically modified pigs into two brain-dead human recipients whose circulatory and respiratory activity was maintained on ventilators for the duration of the study. We performed serial biopsies and monitored the urine output and kinetic estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to assess renal function and xenograft rejection. RESULTS: in Recipient 2. In both recipients, the creatinine level, which had been at a steady state, decreased after implantation of the xenograft, from 1.97 to 0.82 mg per deciliter in Recipient 1 and from 1.10 to 0.57 mg per deciliter in Recipient 2. The transplanted kidneys remained pink and well-perfused, continuing to make urine throughout the study. Biopsies that were performed at 6, 24, 48, and 54 hours revealed no signs of hyperacute or antibody-mediated rejection. Hourly urine output with the xenograft was more than double the output with the native kidneys. CONCLUSIONS: Genetically modified kidney xenografts from pigs remained viable and functioning in brain-dead human recipients for 54 hours, without signs of hyperacute rejection. (Funded by Lung Biotechnology.).

Deployment of medical and social services at well-child visits promotes child health. A retrospective review of the electronic health record was conducted for infants presenting for their "newborn" visit over a 2-year period at an urban, academic primary care center. Primary outcomes were time to first emergency department (ED) visit, number of ED visits (emergent or nonemergent), and number of nonemergent ED visits by 2 years of life. Records from 212 consecutive newborns were evaluated-59.9% were black/African American and 84.4% publicly insured. A total of 72.6% visited the ED by 2 years of life. Sixty percent received ≥5 well-child visits by 14 months; 25.9% reported ≥1 social risk. There were no statistically significant associations between number of completed well-child visits, or reported social risks, and ED utilization. Renewed focus on preventive care delivery and content and its effect on ED utilization, and other patient outcomes, is warranted.